Following Protesters' Disruption, NHS Bosses In Brighton Move Sunday Vaccination Services

The team supervising NHS services in Brighton said today, July 11, it had transferred its anti-coronavirus vaccination services away from Hove Lawns for the day

The mobile unit in a bus at Hove Lawns had, the previous day (July 10) been surrounded by a protective cordon of police officers as protesters chanted anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine slogans.

Images from the scene showed an estimated 20 to 30 people attempting to disrupt the service by promoting widely disproven allegations concerning vaccine science.

A Sussex Police spokesperson confirmed to More Radio that:

"The clinic had already closed for the day, and no members of the public were prevented from having their vaccination. 

"The officers present engaged with those taking part in the protest, and the staff working at the vaccine clinic, to ensure the safety of all persons present."

Today, Sunday, a walk-in service for the city was being made available until 6.30pm at Brighton Racecourse.

To assist patients, the NHS Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group said free transport was being made available to patients who could not travel otherwise to the alternative walk-in treatment centre.

Any patient could call City Cabs on 01273 205205 would be needed to arrange this.

The trust added that walk-in services will be running every day next week, starting at 8.30am, at The Brighton Centre and other locations.

Sussex Police has been contacted for its comment.

The group apologised for any inconvenience caused, when it made the following statement:

"We are sorry to announce that there has been a chance to vaccination services in the city today.

"Whilst giving people first and second vaccinations at Hove Lawns yesterday, the mobile team experienced disruption during the anti-lockdown measures protest in the city.

"To ensure that everyone is able to receive their vaccine safely and without any pressure put upon them, we are postponing the Hove Lawns vaccination service today, 11th July.

"A walk-in vaccination service will continue to be available at Brighton Racecourse this afternoon from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, and everyone will be able to attend there.

"No appointments are necessary, and it is free, quick and easy.

"If you are unable to get to Brighton Racecourse for the afternoon vaccination session, free transport is available from City Cabs — simply call 01273 205205 to arrange.

"There will also be walk-in services every day next week, including at The Brighton Centre starting from 8.30am on Monday morning.

"We continue to be fully committed to the roll-out of the vaccine programme, and ensuring that everyone in the city is able to access their vaccination."

City Council leader Phélim Mac Cafferty added:

"As we have rising cases, it is incredibly disappointing to see the irresponsible actions of a few putting in danger the many.

We reaffirm our city’s need to keep our population safe and we won’t be deterred from our important vaccination programme by the acts of cowards spreading misinformation.

We encourage everyone to take up both vaccinations at the earliest point they can.

"Our proud tradition as a city is that we work against adversity and we won’t be deterred from fighting the pandemic together."